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WORLD CHAMPIONS, INTERNATIONAL STARS HEADLINE 2026 AMJ SHORTY JENKINS CLASSIC DRAW

The Seeker 2 hours ago (Last updated: 2 hours ago) 2 minutes read

The draw for the 2026 AMJ Shorty Jenkins Classic has been released, and the field coming to Cornwall, Ontario this September 16 to 20 is nothing short of spectacular.

Presented by title sponsor AMJ Campbell, the annual World Curling Tour event at the Cornwall Curling Centre brings together 38 teams – 20 men’s and 18 women’s – from across Canada and around the world, competing for a combined prize purse of over $100,000. Cogeco will broadcast matches live, with featured games on YourTV at 2pm and 8pm daily.

DEFENDING CHAMPIONS RETURN – AND THE COMPETITION IS FIERCE

Switzerland’s Xenia Schwaller arrives as the heavy favourite in the women’s field. The reigning 2026 World Women’s Champion and 2025 Shorty Jenkins Classic champion, Schwaller’s team is one of the most dominant women’s rinks in the world right now – and Cornwall fans will get the chance to watch her defend her Shorty title with a strong field chasing.

Standing in her way is Canada’s own Kerri Einarson – five-time Scotties Tournament of Hearts champion and one of the most decorated women’s curlers in Canadian history. Einarson will look to claim her first Shorty title in front of the Cornwall Curling Centre crowd.

Also watch for Italy’s Giulia Zardini Lacedelli, Switzerland’s Alina Patz, Canadians Christina Black, Kayla Skrlik and Kayla MacMillan adding strong competitive flavour to a women’s draw that is as competitive as any in the world.

Photo (c) 2025 Mike Martin www.MikeMartinPhotography.ca Photo (c) 2025 Mike Martin www.MikeMartinPhotography.ca

ON THE MEN’S SIDE – A NEW ERA BEGINS

John Epping returns to Cornwall as the defending Shorty Jenkins champion, bringing a new but experienced squad to the ice where he claimed victory just twelve months ago. The Sudbury-based team are a perennial contender and will be among the favourites once again.

The most anticipated new entry may be Team Hardie – the newly formed rink led by Scottish world champion Grant Hardie. A two-time World Men’s Champion (2023, 2025) and twelve-time Grand Slam winner, Hardie is one of the most accomplished players in the game, and his move to his own team marks one of the most talked-about lineup changes heading into the 2026–27 season.